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Showing posts with label Gutter Cleaning Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gutter Cleaning Tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Different Ways to Clean Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

When most people set out to clean their gutters, they do it the old fashioned way -- with a ladder, a pair of gloves and a small spade to dig out debris. While this method is most certainly effective, there are actually a few other ways to rid your gutters of build up in between large cleanings.
Blow them out. A leaf blower is effective for shooing leaves and debris off your property, but did you know that it can help rid your gutters of dirt as well? In fact, most home improvement stores sell an extender attachment that will allow you to reach up and blow leaves out of your gutters from the ground. Just remember, this method will not be effective for stubborn, caked on dirt.

Spray the dirt away. Never underestimate the power of water -- nature’s most destructive force! As you know, your gutters are meant to protect your home from water damage, but water can also help protect your gutters from malfunctioning. How’s that for helping a situation come full circle? Grab your garden hose every once in awhile and spray concentrated water down your gutters. This will help keep them clear of buildup, but beware, as it can also cause a mess!

Looking to simplify your gutter cleaning duties altogether? Consider installing leaf guards to protect your gutters from debris from the start. Here at All Aluminum Gutters, our gutter screening and protection systems come in a variety of styles, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your home.

To learn more about our leaf guard systems, or to have your gutters cleaned by a professional, call us at 631-816-2498 or visit our website today.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Tips for Cleaning Gutter Exteriors

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Keeping your gutters clear of debris on the inside is one thing, but making sure their exterior is sparkling clean is another. If you want your home to appear crisp and clean from every angle, here are five important tips to consider while cleaning the face of your gutters.
  • Keep safety in mind. Whenever you perform any home maintenance task, especially those that require a ladder, you should always be as cautious as possible. Make sure your ladder is sturdy and that you wear appropriate protection for your hands and face.
  • Prepare appropriately. You’ll need a pail filled with warm water, a sponge or brush for scrubbing and a good multi-purpose cleaner. Make sure you have a system in place to carry your tools up the ladder safety, without breaking the 3-points of contact rule!
  • Have a hose handy. It’s important to rinse as you go to make sure the dirt and debris you scrub up doesn’t re-dry before you’re able to wash it away for good. Figure out a way to hook the nozzle of the hose to the top of your ladder for easy access.

  • Grab some extra strength. It’s best to perform gutter maintenance with a partner to ensure safety. In addition, you may need to up the ante with your cleaning products as well for caked on dirt. If so, visit your local hardware store for a cleaner containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP).

  • Spray before you scrub. To quicken up the process, give your gutters a good spray before you begin cleaning. This will loosen up the dirt and help it begin to break down.
Not up for cleaning your gutters yourself? We don’t blame you! We suggest leaving the gutter cleaning and gutter repairs to the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters. Serving Long island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx for over 30 years, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, click here or call 631-816-2498. We even offer free in-home consultations and estimates!

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Life-Saving Gutter Maintenance Tips

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Cleaning out your gutters can be a dangerous endeavor, especially if your home is more than one story high. As you prepare to check your gutters off your spring cleaning checklist, keep these safety tips in mind to avoid injury.
Tip #1: Choose the right ladder. Select a ladder with a sturdy footing and a strong shelf to hold your debris bucket and other maintenance tools. Generally, a four legged step ladder is best for a one-story home and a metal or fiberglass extension ladder is best for homes that are taller.

Tip #2: Set up safely. Once you’ve chosen your ladder, make sure that it’s set up correctly. All screws and bolts should be firmly in place, and hinges should be fully extended and locked. It’s also a good idea to set up a pulley system for tools or wear a toolbelt so you can climb hands-free.

Tip #3: Stay protected. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and prevent cuts. Opt for suede over rubber or leather, as they’re easier to maneuver in and are less likely to puncture. Remember that your eyes must be protected from stray dirt and debris as well.

Tip #4: Wear the right shoes. Ladders can be slippery, especially when covered in gunk from your gutters. Consider wearing rubber-soled shoes to enhance your grip on each rung.

Tip #5: Look up. It’s easy to zone in while cleaning, but make sure you’re mindful of any power lines up above. You don’t want to disrupt the electricity to your home! While you’re up there, take a look at those power lines and inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. If you’re concerned, give your electrician a call right away for repairs.

While these tips can certainly help keep your safe, the best way to clean and repair your gutters without injury is by leaving it to a trained professional. Luckily, the gutter experts at All Aluminum Gutters are always just a phone call away!

Looking to learn more about the gutter cleaning and gutter repair services we offer to Long Island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx? Visit our website or give us a call at 631-816-2498.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Important Ladder Safety Tips To Follow

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

With spring showers on the way, it’s important to make sure you check your gutters for any existing damage beforehand. That being said, unless you’re extraordinarily tall, you’re definitely going to need to grab a ladder to get up there. But, before you climb up to your gutters this season, make sure you read the following ladder safety tips from the American Ladder Institute to help prevent accidental injury and damage to both you and your home.
  • Be in the right mindset. Having off day, or feel tired or dizzy? It’s best to put off gutter maintenance until you’re feeling your best to avoid an accidental fall.

  • Mind the weather. Spring has a tendency to be quite windy and rainy. If your scheduled maintenance falls on a day with particularly severe weather conditions, reschedule.
  • Dress for the occasion. Always wear shoes with a non-slip grip to prevent falling, and avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing. Also remember, gloves are key for gutter cleaning!
  • Use a sturdy ladder. Inspect your ladder for any loose or missing parts and make sure it stands up tall and sits even on the floor. Be sure to choose the right ladder for your weight and your home’s height, and avoid placing it near any active doors or windows.
  • Follow the 3-point rule. When climbing a ladder you should be making 3 points of contact at all times. This means you’ll either have 2 feet and 1 hand, or 1 foot and 2 hands on the ladder at any given point.
  • Tow your tools. To stick to the 3-point rule, you must be able to carry tools up the ladder without compromising your 3 points of contact. Tool belts and pulley systems work well.
Want to know the best, and safest way to clean and repair your gutters? It’s by leaving it to a trained professional of course. Luckily, the gutter experts at All Aluminum Gutters are always just a phone call away!

Looking to learn more about the gutter cleaning and gutter repair services we offer to Long Island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx? Visit our website or give us a call at 631-816-2498

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Top Gutter Cleaning Tips

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Keeping your gutters clear of buildup and debris is essential to the health of your home’s drainage system, and therefore the health of your home as well. Since it’s gutter cleaning season, we felt it was only right that we offer some of the top gutter cleaning tips to help you get the job done right.
1. Choose a sturdy ladder. Cleaning your gutters requires climbing up a ladder, which can be very dangerous. Make sure that your ladder is in good working conditions, and consider enlisting a helper to hold the ladder as you clean for added protection.

2. Pick the perfect tools. Make sure you’ve got a small, hand-held spade or rake to dig out any stubborn gunk. You’ll also need garbage bags, sealant to fix up holes, gloves for protection and a pressure washer.

3. Power wash the roof. Before you begin cleaning out your gutters, you’ll want to give the roof a quick cleaning to clear it of any leave and debris that can fall into your gutters after cleaning. This will help you keep your gutters clearer for longer.

4. Scrub them down. Use a little elbow grease and really get in there. The cleaner your gutters, the less likely they’ll be to clog, break and require fixing.

5. Examine diligently. Any holes or cracks that you come across must be repaired immediately. Even the smallest amount of damage can ultimately lead to costly issues in the future.

Cleaning your gutters is a dangerous, dirty and difficult job. If you’re not so sure you’re ready to give DIY gutter cleaning a go, we suggest leaving the gutter cleaning and gutter repairs to the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters. Serving Long island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx for over 30 years, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, click here or call 631-816-2498. We even offer free in-home consultations and estimates!

Friday, August 28, 2015

How to Avoid Major Gutter & Home Repairs

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498
Your gutters serve an important purpose, keeping water away from the foundation of your home to avoid unwelcome structural and water damage. However, like almost everything in your home, in order to function properly your gutters must be maintained on a regular basis. To help you avoid potential gutter problems and damage down the road, here are a few great tips to keep him mind as you monitor your gutter maintenance.

  • Look for leaks. Clogged gutters do not allow water to be dispersed away from your home, which can lead to crawl space or basement flooding. Be on the look out for suspicious puddles or water stains on the walls.

  • Check for cracks. If water is pooling around your home’s foundation it can weaken the footing and create visible cracks in your foundation wall. As the weather cools down these cracks can become more visible due to the natural freezing and expanding of water.

  • Spot the rot. Clogged, backed up gutters will overflow and cause rotting to occur on the wood fascia around the house. If you notice wood rot, clean the gutters immediately and call a professional to replace the damaged fascia boards.

  • Inspect the pavement. If you notice sagging or cracking on your driveway or walkway, this could indicate that water is not being redirected properly by your gutters. This may be due to a clog or interruption in the system’s water flow.

The best way to prevent major damage is to have your gutters cleaned by a professional regularly who will always be on the look out for suspicious inconsistencies within your home and gutter system. That way you’ll never have to worry about finding the time to clean before it’s too late!

All Aluminum Gutters proudly serves Long Island, Westchester and the 5 Boroughs of New York City, providing gutter cleaning, repair and installation services all year round.

To learn more about how we can help keep your home protected from water damage, structural issues and unnecessary flooding, click here or call 631-816 2498 today.

Monday, August 3, 2015

How to Paint Your Aluminum Gutters in 5 Steps

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Gutters come in all shapes, sizes and materials, but the aluminum gutter is the most popular choice among homeowners. It’s low cost, seamless design and easy-to-install qualities make it a crowd favorite. What’s the best thing about installing aluminum gutters? They are able to be painted as well! Whether you want to paint your gutters to camouflage them into your home’s existing exterior, or are looking to highlight your gutter system with a complimentary paint color, painting your aluminum gutters is fairly simple DIY task.
If you’re looking to paint your new gutters, or repaint old ones, here’s a list of steps you should take to get the job done:

Step 1: If repainting, strip away the old paint. You’ll want to make sure that your gutter surface are stripped and sanded before you begin painting. A paint scraper can help you peel off any old paint, followed by a pass of sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Step 2: Clean and rinse your gutters. Scrub your gutters down with a simple solution of dish soap and water. Without a clean surface your paint will have a hard time adhering to the gutters. Make sure you give your gutters a thorough rinse once you’re done cleaning them.

Step 3: Paint on the primer. Primer is essential to keep your gutters in great shape and your paint-job perfect for years to come. An oil-based metal primer is key, but be sure to choose a primer that is ammonia free, as ammonia may have a negative reaction with the aluminum.

Step 4: Apply enamel to your gutters. After about 48 hours your primer should be completely dry. An oil-based enamel helps to smooth over the surface and seal any inconsistencies within the aluminum. It is recommended that you choose either a satin or gloss enamel and apply two coats for best results.

Step 5: Finally, get to painting! Choose your desired paint color and apply 2 coats of paint, waiting for the first to dry before beginning the second. Make sure to be careful to fix any runs in the paint before it dries!

Need some help with aluminum gutter installation or cleaning prior to your painting project? At All Aluminum Gutters, we are committed to keeping your home healthy. We take pride in providing the highest quality materials and gutter cleaning services at an affordable price to the Long Island, Queens, Bronx and Westchester areas.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your free consultation and estimate, please give us a call at 631-816-2498 today.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Gutter Cleaning Safety

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498

Though extremely necessary, gutter cleaning can also be a very dangerous task. Without the proper tools and preparation, you may end up doing more harm to yourself, than good to your home. Before you get out there on the ladder, take a look at these gutter cleaning safety tips that we feel are essential to keep in mind when doing DIY gutter maintenance:
1. Ladder Height: It is important to use the proper sized ladder when doing any type of home maintenance to the face of your home. Generally, if you are doing maintenance on a one-story home, your ladder should be about 11 feet tall.
2. Hand Protection: Make sure to wear work gloves when digging out the debris from your gutters. Wearing gloves protects you from cuts and scrapes caused by sharp debris or torn gutters. Your gutters also have the potential to host harmful mold and bacteria, so it’s important that you eliminate hand-to-hand contact to prevent health issues.
3. Fall-Proof Plan: Don’t try to juggle all of your gutter cleaning tools up the ladder and risk taking a fall. Instead, put your tools in a bucket and tie the rope to the top of the ladder so you can hoist your tools up once you reach the top.
4. Strap In: Depending on the roof pitch, sometimes it makes more sense to clean gutters from the roof rather than on a ladder. If you choose this method, make sure to strap into a harness and attach it to the roof to prevent an accidental fall.
5. Helping Hand: It’s always a good idea to enlist help whenever available for any home maintenance task. A helper can be there to pass tools, hold the ladder, and assist in any other way you may need. If a helper isn’t available make a neighbor or family member aware that you’ll be cleaning your gutters so that someone is around to check-in and make sure you’re safe and sound!

DIY gutter cleaning isn’t for everyone, which is why we provide quality gutter cleaning services to Long Island, Queens, Westchester and the surrounding areas all year-round. If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient gutter cleaning experience, call All Aluminum Gutters at 631-816-2498 today! We offer a wide selection of cleaning and repair services to suit all of your gutter needs.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Tips For Cleaning Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704
(631) 816-2498
Once again, snow is in the forecast for cities and states across the North East this weekend. And aside from the fact that this may put a damper on your Valentine's Day plans, it is yet another opportunity for our homes (and especially our gutters) to be subjected to the water that comes from melted snow and ice.

If you'd like to avoid the need for gutter repairs once the next storm passes, here are a few tips that you can use if you make the decision to clean them before hand -

Apparel - To protect your body from dangerous debris, always wear protective gloves (ones designed for working would be best) and goggles or other eye gear. You never know what sharp objects may be hiding in areas that you can't see.

Equipment - Before you approach your gutters, check to make sure your ladder doesn't have any loose screws. Then, even if you feel confident that your ladder is fully functional, ask someone to spot you on the ground just in case there is an emergency.

Collection - Since the purpose of this task is to clean your gutters, you will need some sort of bucket or bag to collect any debris; where else would it go? Since you'll likely be resting it on top of your ladder, check to make sure it is completely secure so that you don't have to be concerned with your hard work falling to the floor.

Although cleaning your gutters can be a rather simple task, we realize how intimidating it can truly be. The next time you need to have your gutters cleaned, contact All Aluminum Gutters. We are gutter cleaning experts serving Long Island, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester. To schedule your next appointment, please contact us at (631) 816-2498 today.